Sled



June 24, 1941- c. H. OERMANN E-r A1. 2247,033

sLED V Filed April 24, 1940 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 53 Fly. 5

f1o se 68 89 Inventor QI-LOERMANNAND J.F. ENGDAHL Gttorneg June 24, 1941.. c. H. OERMANN ETAL.

sLED

Filed Apr'n 24, 1940 3 Sheets-Sheet 3- Yw w G5 ,E mr. N: AW. w: mf S.. 2%. N.. m l w Om. -MN- hm. N. I mm t1 4.5 m: m. T mm: Nm. 9 i m9 fm: I N wow. mm. I m vQ mN.. Nm. *N-/, o mt m m: m..

V C. H. OERMANN AND F. ENGDAHL Patentecl June 24, 1941 SLED Carl H. Oermann and James F. Engdahl, York, Pa; said Engdahl assignor -to said Qermann Application Apri'l 24, 1940, Serial No. 331,293 16 Claims. (Cl. 280-22) This invention relates to sleds and more particularly to coasting sleds of the type having flexible runners for the purpose of steering the sleds in different directions.

An object of the invention is to provide an 1mproved mechanism for operating the runners of coasting sleds of the type having flexible runners.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved sled of the above type in which the parts at the forward end of the sled are connected together with a minimum number of elements.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved sled of the above type in v vhichr the seat portion of the sled overlies the runnersand their operating mechanism.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved sled of the above type in which the front end of the seat portion of the sled supportsan arcuate bumper p1ate.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved sled of the above type in which a semi.- circular snow guard plate is incorporated with the steering mechanism in such a manner that, in addition to functioning as means for laterally Shifting the forward ends of the runners, the plate also constitutes means for preventing the passage of snow upwardly through the forward portion of the sled.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved sled of the character mentioned, which is simple in Construction, and reliable and exact in function under all conditions of service.

The invention also comprises certain new and useful improvements in the construction, arrangement and combinaltion of the several parts of Eig. 8v is a vertical transverse section taken on the line 8-8 of Fig. 43;

' Fie. 9 is a bottom plan of a four-knee type of sled constructed in accordance with the present iIlVBIllliQn i,

" theline l2-l2 of Fig. 9.

As iswell `known the art, coasting sleds of ordinary length are constructed with four knees which are employed to connect the runners with the seat structure. On the other hand, when ooasting sleds are consiruoted. in the longer lengths, in order torisiclly support. the seatstrncture so as to prevent vertical flexing thereof, it is onstomary to employ six ;knees for oonneoting the runners to the seat structure- Sinoe the present inventioh is applioable to both types of sleds which it is composed, as will be hereinafter more fully described and claimed.

In the accompanying drawings:

Fig. 1 is a bottom plan of a sled of the six-knee type constructed according to the present invention, the manner in which the steering mechanism operates to bend the runners being shown by broken lines;

Fig. 2 is a side elevation of the sled shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is an enlarged top plan of the front end of the sled;

Fig. 4 is a vertical longitudinal section taken on the line flof Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 is a vertical transverse section taken on the line 5-5 of Fig. 3;

Fig. 6 is a vertical transverse section taken on the line 6-5 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 7 is a vertical transverse section taken Aon the line 'i-'l of Fig 1;

with slight modification, in Figs. 1 to 8 inclusive, we have shown in what manner the invention oon beapplied to the siX-knee type of sled, and in Fies- 9 'to 12 inolusive, we have shown the inventon applied to the foure'knee type of sled.

Beferring to Fiss- 1 to 8 inclusive, Ithe improved sledvcomprises apair of side rails I I, l2 which are connected at intervals lov a p'lurality of oross 'bars l3, IA and |.5, said cross bars being rigidly fastened to said Side rails, by bolts or rivets 6.

Supported by the cross bars is a seat structure Il, preferably constructed from a plurality of hoaros which are fostened to the oross bars Joy Securing elements l'8, in the form of nails, tacks, rivets, bolte, and the like- As shown in Fie.- fi; in the present instance the boards are fastened to the cross bars hy nails.,

For holding the seat structnre in properly spaced relation to the runners V20 and 2I, which are of well .known form, and oonneoting the ports together, suitable knees 22, v23, 24, 25, 28 and 21 are ernnloyed.. The knees are arranged in pairs and constitutevbrackets which are preferably made of sheet metal and oomprisins downwardlydiverging less and a nat elongated top portion- The top portion '28 of the knee`2 2 is secured to the ,cross bar I 3 by a bolt or rivet 29,1 as shown in Fig- 6, said rivet being located adjacent to the outer end of said knee and constituting a piyot about which the knee is adapted to swing inthe manner to be hereinafter described. I

Likewise, the top portion 3,1 of the lsnee 2.34 is pivotally mounted ontheoross bar by a bolt or rivet 33.

The top portion 32 of the knee 24 is connected to a cross bar 33 by a pair of spaced Securing elements 34, 35, the element 34 being located at the outer portion of the knee 24, directly beneath the side rail H, and the element 35 being passed through a slot 36 formed transversely in the top portion 32 and located adjacent to the inner end of said top portion, as shown in Fig. 1.

Likewise, the knee 25 is similarly connected to the cross bar 33 by fastening elements 31, 38, arranged in a manner corresponding to the fastening elements 34, 35, respectively, the element 38 passing through a slot 39 formed in the top portion 43 of the knee 25.

The cross bar 33 is located to the rear of the cross bar l4, said cross bar 33 having its upper surface in contact with the underside of the seat structure and not connected to said seat structure.

During the operation of the steering mechainsm the cross bar 33 is adapted to move transversely with respect to the seat structure, as will be hereinafter described, said cross bar moving to the position shown by broken lines, Fig. 1. i

The top portion 4| of the knee 26 is secured to the cross bar |5 by the bolt or rivet |6, said rivet being located at the outer end of the top portion of said knee, as shown in Fig. 1. The inner portion of the top 4| is also secured to the cross bar |5 by a bolt or rivet 42 which is passed through a transverse slot 43 in the portion 4l.

Likewise, the top 44 of the knee 21 is` secured to the cross bar I5, by the rivet |6 and by a rivet 45, the latter rivet being passed through a slot 46.

Disposed on the underside of the cross bar |3 and pivotally connected thereto by means of a bolt or rivet 48 is a lever 49.

One end of the lever 49 is pivotally connected to the inner portion of the top 23 of the knee 22, as indicated at 56, Figs. 1 and 6. The other end of the lever 49 is pivotally connected, as indicated at 5I, to the overlapped ends of links or rods 52, 53. the front end of the sled and the link or rod 53 extends towards the rear of the sled.

Likewise, another lever 55, similar to the lever 49, is mounted on the cross bar. |3 by a pivot 56, said lever 55 having one end pivoted to the top 3| of the knee 23, as indicated at 51, and its other end connected by a pivot 53 to links or rods 55, 60 similar to the links or rods 52, 53, respectively, heretofore referred to. i

Pivotally mounted, as indicated at 62, to the cross bar 33 is a plate 63.

The pivot 62 is disposed midway the length of the cross bar 33, being located along the longitudinal center line of the sled when the runners 20 and 2| are straight.

The plate 63 is formed with five side edges and underlies the cross bar l4, as well as the cross bar 33, as shown in Fig. 1. Normally, when the parts are in the full line position shown, the

The link or rod 52 extends towards forward edge 64 of the plate 63 is disposed in The rear end of the link or rod 53 is pivotally connected, as indicated at 63, to the plate 53, the plate being formed with a slot 63 for the pivot pin 68.

Likewise, at the other side of the plate 63, the rear end of the link or rod 60 is pivotally connected to said plate by means of a pin 10 disposed in a slot 1l similar to the slot 69.

Disposed near the front of the sled and arranged transversely thereof, is the usual steering bar 13. The steering bar, which is of suificient length to project beyond the side rails il, l2 to f enable the Operator to push or pull on one end or the other thereof to steer the sled, is pivotally mounted to the center panel of the seat structure |1 by means of a bolt 14 located on the longitudinal center line of the sled (see Figs. 3, 4

and 5).

The forward end of the link or rod 52 is connected to the steering bar 13 by means of a pin or rivet 15, and the forward end of the link or rod 59 is connected to the steering bar by means of a pin or rivet 16.

The pivots 15 and 16 are located in spaced relation on opposite sides of the bolt 14, as shown best in Fig. 5.

The front ends of the runners 26, 2| are connected to a cross bar 18 by means of pins or rivets 19. The cross bar 18 is located beneath the steering bar 13, as shown in Figs. 4 and 5.

In addition to constituting means for connecting the forward ends of the runners, the cross bar 18 supports a plate 80. In plan, the plate 83 is slightly more than semi-circular in form, as shown in Figs. 1 and 3. In vertical longitudinal section, as shown in Fig. 4, the plate 86 is somewhat irregular in form. The main body portion of the plate which is connected to the cross bar 18 is located in a. lower plane than is the front edge portion 81, the two portions being connected by an intermediate inclined portion 82.

As shown in Fig. 1, the plate 86 is disposed between the front end portions of the runners 2D, 2| and extends a suitable distance forwardly therefrom. The plate underlies the front portion of the seat structure |1 and provides a means for closing the front end of the sled so as to prevent snow from passing upwardly through the open part of the structure towards the operator.

Fastened to the steering bar 13 by rivets 84, as shown 'in Fig. 4, and located along the longitudinal center line of the sled when the runners are straight, is an arm 85.

The front end of the arm is pivotally connected to the forward portion of the plate 80, by a rivet 86. In this way the plate also functions as part of the steering mechanism.

The forward ends of the boards of the seat structure l1 are made arcuate in form so as to fit snugly against the rear edge portion 88 of the front plate 89.

The plate 86 constitutes a bumper for the front of the sled. As shown in Figs. 4 and 8, the outer periphery of the plate 39 is in the form of an arcuate channel 90 of inverted U -form. The main body of the plate indicated by the reference numeral 89 is disposed in a lower horizontal plane than is the rear edge portion 88 and the upper fiat portion of the channel 96. The channel has a downwardly extending substantially vertical flange Bl. This flange is somewhat semi-circular in plan as shown in Fig. 1. The rear edge of the portion 88 of the bumper plate is also somewhat semi-circular in plan, as shown in Fig. 3. However, the curvature of the portion BBdiffers slightly from the curvature of the outer channel 90', and between these two portions of the plate there is a substantially horizontal web which isindicated by the reference numeral. 89. Thisweb is somewhat crescent Shaped. If so desired, openings 92 may be formed in the web of the front bumper plate 89.

The rear portion of the plate 89 is retained -in position with respect-to the front portion of the boards of the seat structure I'I, by means of a strap 93. The ends of the strap 93 are secured to the underside of the bumper -plate 89, and said strap extends beneath the boards of 'the seat'structure Il, as shown best in Fig. 4.

The outer peripheral portion or channel 90 of the bumper plate 89 is secured to the front ends of the side rails II, I2 by rivets 9-2, as shown in Figs. 3 and 5.

In this way the bumper plate -89 is rigidlyconnected to the main body of the sled and serves as means for protecting the front end thereof.

It is believed it will be -readily apparent from the foregoing description taken in connection with the drawings that the sled may be steered in either direction as desired by pushing on one end or the other of the steering bar 13.

When the steering bar T3 is moved towards the position illustrated by broken lines, Fig. 1, a for- Ward pull is exerted on rearward push is exerted on the link or rodl'i.V

Since the rear end of the rod 52 is connected to the inner end of the lever 49, when said rod is thus pulled forwardly, the lever is turned on the pivot provided by the rivet 48, and due to the manner in which said lever is connected to the runner knee 22, said knee is turned towards the position indicated by the broken lines, Fig. 1.

When the rearward push is exerted'on the rod 5d by the steering rearwardly on the pivot provided by the rivet 55, and consequently the runner knee 23 is turned towards the broken line position' illustrated in Fig. 1.

The pull exerted on the rod 52 is transmitted to the rod 53, and the rearward push exerted on the rod is transmitted to the rod 60 so that the plate os is turned on the pivot 55.

Due to the manner in which the plate 63 is constructed and the manner in which said plate is connected to the cross bar 33, the cross bar 33 is moved by the plate E3 laterally or transversely of the seat structure i'I towards the position :shown by the broken lines, Fig. 1. Since the knees 24 and 25 are secured to the cross bar 33, the knees will also be shifted laterally.

When the steering bar 13 is operated in the manner above described, the arm 85 is swung about the center provided by the bolt 14, and since the outer end of said arm is pivotally connected to the plate the plate will be shifted laterally or transversely and since said plate is connected to the front ends of the runners 2Il, 2I, the front ends of the runners will be moved.

As shown in Fig. 1, the lateral movement of the cross bar 33 is in the opposite direction to the lateral movement of the plate 80. In this manner the runners are bent, as indicated by the broken lines.

Although the leverage mechanism for flexing or bending the runner extends from the steering bar Is rearwardly to the intermediate portion of the sled, due to the manner in which the leverage mechanism is constructed and operates, as :has been heretofore described, it is possible withbut bar 13, the lever 55 is swung 'A the link or rod 52, and a I aminimum of effort to fiex the runners for their entire length. In this manner much sharper and quicker turns can be made than with the older types of sleds.

In the form of the invention shown in Figs. 9 t0f12, inclusive, the improved sledfcomprises a pair of| side rails III and II2, which are connected at intervals by a pluralityr of cross bars II3, HA and II5, said cross bars being fastened to said side rails Iby lb'olts `or rivets I I'.

:Supported by the cross bars is a seat structure II'I, preferably constructed from a plurality of boards which are fastened to the cross bars by Securing elements I f, in the form of nails, tacks, rivets, bolts, and the like. As shown in Fig. 11, in the present instance the boards are fastened to 'the cross bars by nails.

For' holding the seat structure in properly spaced relation to the runners I2fI and |2 I which are of Well-known form, and connecting the parts together, suitable knees I22, I23, I24 and I25 are employed. The knees are arranged in pairs and constitute brackets which are preferably made of sheet metal and comprising -downwardly diverging legs and a flat elongated top portion.

The top portion I28 of the knee |22 is secured to the cross bar II3 by a bolt or rivet I29, as shown in Fig. 11, said rivet being located adjacent' to the outer end of said knee and constituting a pivot about which the knee is adapted to turn when the steering mechanism is operated.

Likewise, the top portion I3I of the knee I23 is pivotally mounted on the cross bar I I3 by a bolt or rivet ISO.

The top portion I32 of the knee IM is connected to the cross bar II5 by the rivet IIB (see Fis. 12).

Likewise, the knee to the cross bar II5.

Disposed on the underside of the cross bar |I3 and pivotally connected thereto by means of a bolt' or rivet M8, is a lever Its.

One end of the lever M9 is pivotally connected to the inner portion of the top |28 of the knee l22, as indicated at I50, Figs. 9 and ll. The other end of the lever M9 is pivotally Vconnected, as indicated at ISI, to the end of a link or rod- I52.

'Between the pivots M8 and I5I, the front end of a link or rod I53 is pivotally connected to the lever I49, as indicated at I54.

The link or rod |52 extends from the lever M9 towards the lfront end of the sled where it is connected to the steering mechanism in the manner to be hereinafter described.

The 'link or rod I53 extends from the lever Mo rearwardly and its rear end is pivotally connected to the inner portion of the knee IM, as indicated at I68,`Figs. 9 and 12.

Another lever I5'5, similar to the lever M9, is mounted on the cross bar II3 by a pivot I55, said lever I55`having one end pivoted to the top |3I of the knee l23, as indicated at I5'I, and its other end connected by a pivot I'58 to a link or rod Iii), similar to the link or rod I52.

Between the pivots I5'I and I53, the front end of alink or rod I is pivotally connected to the lever I55, as indicated at ISI.

'The link or rod I59 extends from the lever I55 towards the front end of the sled, and the link or rod ISO extends from the lever I-55 rearwardly and its rear end is pivotally connected to theinner portion of the knee I25, as indicated at 16,2;

Disposed near the front of :the sled and I25 is similarly connected arranged transversely thereof, is a steering bar l'l3 which is pivotally mounted to the center panel of the seat structure ll'l by means of a bolt IM.

The forward end of the link or rod |52 is connected to the steering bar 113 by means of a pin or rivet ll, and the forward end of the link or rod I 59 is connected to the steering bar by means of a pin or rivet 3.

The pivots |75 and HS are located in spaced relation on opposite sides of the bolt I 15, as shown in Fig. 9.

The front ends of the runners |2EI and l2| are connected to a cross bar HB by means of pins or rivets 179. The cross bar 8 is disposed beneath the steering bar 113, as shown in Fig. 10.

In addition to constituting means for connecting the forward ends of the runners, the cross bar 118 supports a plate IBO.

As shown in Fig. 9, the plate 180 is disposed between the front ends of the runners and extends a suitable distance forwardly therefrom.

Fastened to the steering bar |13 by rivets |84 and projecting forwardly therefrom, is an arm N35.

` The front end of the arm IBS is pivotally connected to the forward portion of the plate l8, by a rivet let. In this way the plate l8ll functions as part of the steering mechanism, as well as providing means for preventing snow from entering the cracks between the pieces of the body structure H'l of the sled.

The front ends of the boards ll'l are made arcuate in form so as to fit snugly against the rear portion of an arcuate front plate or bumper S89 which is secured to the front ends of the side rails IH and ll2 by rivets l94.

The front bumper plate |89 is constructed and mounted on the front of the sled in a manner similar to the plate 89 heretofore described.

In operation, when the steering bar |13 is moved, for instance, towards the broken line position shown in Fig. 9, a forward pull is exerted on the link or rod 152, and -a rearward push is exerted on the link or rod 59.' At the same time, the arm |85 is turned on the pivot 114.

Since the rear end of the rod |52 is connected to the inner end of the lever M9, when said rod is thus pulled forwardly, the lever M9 is turned on the pivot M8, and due to the manner in which said lever is connected to the runner knee 22, said knee is turned towards the rear of the sled, as indicated by the broken lines, Fig. 9.

Since the knee |24 is also connected to the lever M9 by link or rod |53, the knee 124 is turned about the pivot HG but in a direction opposite to the direction in which the knee |22 is turned about its pivot.

When the rearward push is exerted on the rod E59 by the steering bar 3, the knee |23 is turned towards the front of the sled and the knee l25 is V turned towards the rear of the sled, as shown by the broken lines, Fig. 9.

Since the outer end of the arm l85 is pivotally connected to the plate IBO, when said arm is swung about the pivot provided by the bolt l14, the plate Will be shifted laterally or transversely, and since said plate is connected to the front ends of the runners |20 and l2l, the front ends of the runners will be moved.

In this manner the runners 20 and |2| 'are bent or fiexed laterally, as indicated by broken lines. The mechanism imparts to the runners an easy or gradual curve which extends the entire length of the runners.

Having thus described our invention, what We claim is:

1. A sled body provided with laterally fiexible runners, a plate connecting the front ends of the runners, a steering bar pivotally connected to said sled body, an arm rigidly connected to said steering bar and pivotally connected to said plate for imparting a lateral shifting movement to the front end of the runners, a series of knees arranged in' spaced pairs pivotally mounted on said body for supporting the runners in spaced relation to said body, a lever pivotally connected to said body and to each knee of the front pair of knees, a link connecting each lever with said steering bar, and means connecting each lever with a knee disposed rearwardly with respect to the front pair of knees, thereby to flex said runners ito steer the sled.

2. A sled comprising a body provided with laterally fiexible runners, a steering bar pivotally connected to said sled body, a series of knees arranged in spaced pairs pivotally mounted on said body for supporting the runners in spaced relation to said body, a pair of levers, each lever being pivotally connected to said body and connected to a knee of the front pair of knees by a separate pivot, means operatively connecting the levers with said steering bar, and means operatively connecting said levers With knees disposed rearwardly With respect to the front pair of knees to flex said runners, thereby to steer the sled.

3. A sled body provided with laterally flexible runners comprising a plate connecting the front ends of the runners, a steering bar pivotally connected to said sled body, an arm connected to said steering bar and prcj-ecting forwardly therefrom, means for pivotally connecting said plate to said arm whereby a lateral shifting movement is imparted through said plate to the front ends of the runners when the steering bar is turned on its pivot, pivotal connections between the body and said runners comprising a series of knees arranged fore and aft of the sled body, a lever operatively connected to each front knee to turn said knee, means for connecting each lever With the steering bar whereby said lever is operated by the steering bar, and means connecting each lever With a knee disposed rearwardly with respect to the front knees thereby to operate said knees to fiex said runners to steer the sled.

4. A sled having fiexible runners comprising a seat structure provided with a plurality of transverse cross bars arranged in spaced relation to the seat structure and secured thereto, a steering bar pivotally'connected to said seat structure near the front end thereof, the front cross bar being disposed at a distance rearwardly of said steering bar, a pair of knees pivotally mounted to each cross bar for supporting the runners in spaced relation to said seat structure, leverage mechanism mounted on the front cross bar and operatively connected to the knees on said front cross bar to turn the knees, links connecting the leverage mechanism With said steering bar, and means connecting the leverage mechanism With the rear knees thereby to flex said runners to steer the sled.

5. A sled having fiexible runners comprising a seat structure provided With a plurality of cross bars arranged transversely of said seat structure and secured thereto, a steering bar pivotally connected to said seat structure near the front end thereof, the front cross bar being disposed at a distance rearwardly of said steering bar, a knee pivotally mounted on each end of said front cross 'azetgoss bar, aknee pivotally mounted oneachend of the rear cross bar, a knee'rnountedionieach end-of a cross bar arranged intermediate-of :said front-'and Vrearcross bars andsiidably moveable transversely of the sled, saii'd intermediatecross Vbarl being. disposed adjacent to another intermediate cross bar fixed to said seat structure, all of said knees' constituting means for supporting the runners in spaced relation to said seat structure, a pair of levers mounted on. the front :cross bar, each lever being, respectively, operatively connected to the k-nee on -each end: of said front cross bar to turn the same, al'ink connecting-'each lever'with said steerin-gbar, leverage'mech-anisrn pivotally mounted on said intermediate fixed cross bar and operatively connected to said transversely -movable cross 'bar to shift the same laterallylin either direction, and means connecting said ileverage mechanism with said levers therebiy toi operate said knees simultaneously to flex 'said-runners to steer the sled. f v

6. A sled having vflexible runners comprising a seat structure provideda plurality lof. cross bars-arranged transversely of saidseat rstructure and secured thereto, asteering bar pivotally connected to said seat structure near' the front end thereof, the front cross bar being disposed at a distance rearvvardly'fof said steering bar, a knee pivotally mounted on each end of said front cross bar, a knee pivotally mounted on each end of the rear cross bar, all of said knees constituting means for supporting the runners in spaced relation to the seat structure, a pair of levers mounted on the front cross bar, each lever being, respectively, operatively connected to the knee on each end of said front cross bar to turn the same, a link connecting each lever with said steering bar, and a link connecting each lever With a rear' knee, Whereby all of said knees are operated simultaneously when the steering bar is actuated to fiex said runners to steer the sled.

'7. A sled having fiexible runners comprising a seat structure provided with a plurality of cross bars arranged transversely of said seat structure and secured thereto, a steering bar pivotally connected to said seat structure near the front end thereof, an arm connected to said steering bar and projecting forvvardly therefrom, a plate connecting the front ends of the runners, means for pivotally connecting said plate to said arm Whereby a lateral Shifting movement is imparted through said plate to the front ends of the runners When the steering bar is turned on its pivot, said front cross bar being disposed at a distance rearwardly of said steering bar, a knee pivotally mounted on each end of said front cross bar, a knee pivotally mounted on each end of the rear cross bar, all of said knees constituting means for supporting the runners in spaced relation to the seat structure, a pair of levers mounted on the front cross bar, each lever being, respectively, connected to the knee on each end of said cross bar to turn the same, a link connecting each lever with said steering bar, and a link connecting each lever With a rear knee. whereby all of said knees are operated When the steering bar is actuated to fiex said runners to steer the sled.

8. A sled having fiexible runners comprising a seat structure provided with a plurality of cross bars arranged transversely of said seat structure and secured thereto, a steering ban pivotally connected to said seat structure near the front end thereof, an arm connected to said steering bar and projecting forwardly therefrom, a plate connecting the front ends of the runners, means bar arranged intermediate of said front and Vrear cross bars and slidably movable transversely of the sled, said intermediate cross bar being disposed-adjacent to another intermediate cross -bar fixed to said seat structure, all`of-said knees constituting means for supporting 'the runners in spaced relation to said seat structure, a pair of lever-'s mounted on the front cross-bar, each-lever being, respectively, operatively connected to the knee on each end of said front cross bar to turn 'the same, a'link connecting each lever with said steering bar, leverage mechanism pivotally mounted on said intermediate fixed-cross bar and lope'r'atively connected to lsaid vtransversely movable cross bar to shift thel same laterally in either direction, and means connecting said leverage mechanismwith said levers thereby' to operate said knees simultaneously to vflex-said runners to steer the sled. 1

9. A sled comprising a seat structure having side rails, a transversely disposed steering bar pivotally connected to said seat structure near the front end thereof, the front end of the side rails termnating adjacent to said steering bar, the front of the seat structure projecting forwardly from the steering bar and having an arcuate front edge, a plate having a flanged arcuate inner edge engaging the front edge of the seat structure, a strap arranged transversely of the sled and underlying the seat structure and connected at its ends to said plate to retain the plate in position on the front of the seat structure, the outer periphery of said plate being formed with a channel having a downturned outer flange extending therearound, and means for Securing the channeled portion of the plate to the front ends of said side rails.

10. A sled comprising a seat structure having Side rails and seat boards between the side rails, a plate projecting forwardly from the seat structure and having an inner peripheral portion abutting the seat boards and an outer peripheral portion extending from side rail to side rail, means for Securing the inner periphery of said plate to said seat boards, and means for securng the outer periphery of said plate to said side rails.

11. A sled comprising a seat structure having an arcuate front end, a plate having an inner arcuate flanged edge engaging the front end of the seat structure and an outer arcuate front edge formed with a downturned flange, the curva ture of the inner edge of the plate being different from the curvature of the outer edge of the plate, so that the intermediate portion of the plate along the longitudinal center line of the sled is Wider between the front and rear edges thereof than is the distance between the front and rear edges at the sides of the sled.

12. A sled comprising a seat structure having side rails and seat boards between the side rails, the seat boards extending forwardly from the ends of the side rails and having an arcuate front edge, a plate mounted at the front of the seat structure and constituting a bumper for the sled, said plate having an arcuate outer peripheral flange and an arcuate rear edge portion, said rear edge portion being in the form of a substantially horizontal fiange adapted to rest on the arcuate front edge portion of said seat structure, said plate having a substantially horizontal web disposed between the outer peripheral portion and the rear fiange and located in a lower horizontal plane than the rear flange, and a strap arranged transversely of the sled and extending under the seat structure and having its ends secured to the underside of said plate for holding the plate in position with respect to said seat structure.

13. A sled comprising a seat structure having seat boards formed with an arcuate front edge, a plate disposed at the front of the seat structure and constituting a bumper for the sled, said plate having an arcuate outer peripheral fiange and an arcuate inner peripheral flange the curvature of which differs from the curvature of the outer flange, said inner flange being substantially horizontal and adapted to rest on the front portion of said seat boards, and a strap arranged transversely of the sled and extending under the seat structure and having its ends secured to said plate for holding the plate in position With respect to said seat boards.

14. A sled comprising a seat structure, a plate having a flanged outer periphery and a flanged 2,247,oss

inner periphery, said inner flange being adapted to rest on the front edge portion of the seat structure and thereby enclose the same, and a strap fastened at its ends to said plate and extending beneath said seat structure for retaining the plate in position with respect to said seat structure.

15. A sled comprising a seat structure having an arcuate front end, a plate having an inner arcuate horizontal flange adapted to rest on the front edge portion of said seat structure, and a strap secured at each end to said plate and extending underneath said seat structure for retaining the plate in position on the seat structure.

16. A sled comprising a seat structure having an arcuate front end, a plate having the form of ai, crescent With an inner arcuate horizontal fiange resting on the front edge of said seat structure and a front arcuate edge With a downturned flange, and a strap arranged transversely of the sled and fastened at its ends to said plate, said strap extending beneath said seat structure to thereby retain the inner fiange of said plate in position on the front edge portion of the seat structure.

CARL H. OERMANN.

JAMES F. ENGDAHL. 

